David Reyes Fernandez Growing into Manhood

A mother desperately wanted a Christcentered school with positive peer relationships and strong mentoring for her oldest son. She brought her pastor’s wife along to help plead her case to get her son enrolled in The Potter’s House. He was accepted, and a few years later, so was little brother David.

David was part of our 2023 graduating class. He received four scholarships and is heading to Grand Canyon University in the fall.

Ibegan attending The Potter’s House in first grade. Mrs. Vander Ark (now Riegler) was my teacher, and she was the best. My brother was in eighth grade, and we were in the same building. I felt alone when he moved on to high school the following year. I cried a lot and went to the office every day. My mom had a connection with Mrs. Rodriguez, the elementary school receptionist. As I sat in the office, crying, she helped me and gave me the confidence to trust the teachers and the school.

In fourth and fifth grades, my teacher Mr. VanZanten left a lasting impression on me. He helped me grow as an individual and helped me to identify some of my gifts. Mr. Grell, my eighth-grade teacher, also stood out. Our relationship wasn’t exactly a smooth one, but he challenged me. He showed me I could do hard things in life. At TPH, the teachers care about us. I am thankful for all the teachers who invested in me. At times they pushed me to do better.

I am also grateful for the diversity I have experienced at The Potter’s House. It has taught me how to adapt to different situations and circumstances and has prepared me to interact well with various cultures and people groups.

Thanks to The Potter’s House, I have grown in many ways, especially spiritually. I have been given time and opportunities to talk to God and build my relationship with Him. Another significant component of my spiritual life has been the Young Life program at TPH. In addition to the regular Monday night meetings, I am part of a group of guys that meets on Tuesdays and Thursdays before school, one day for a leadership class and one day for a youth group-style gathering. The leadership class helped to shape the way I think about myself and my decisions for the future.

I plan to share the gospel. I want people to think of me as a servant, being able to serve others while helping them on their path and relationship with God. Matthew 23:11 says, But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant. So I plan to serve God by telling others about Him and being an example.”